Summer sun, humidity, and long, flowing locks. One of these things does not play well with the others. Most of us would love to imitate Kate’s beautiful coif year-round (or at all!), but summer is an especially difficult time to tame hair into a pretty style. I have long, thick, and wavy hair, similar to Kate’s, and I know firsthand how hard it can be to keep it looking good all summer long—or even on one humid day! As always, it’s time to turn to the Duchess for advice, this time on how to tame summer hair, the Kate way.
Up, Up(do) and Away
Kate has been giving us updo-envy for years, but maybe her pretty ‘dos are for more than just style. They also keep hair tidy, in place, and off her back and neck (invaluable in the summer heat). Another way to hide frizz and flyaways? You guessed it—hats! Fascinators, hats, and accessories can distract from problem areas and finish up a look. While a fascinator always looks nicest with tidy hair, it can easily dress up a plain (but neat) style.
Since most of us don’t have personal hairstylists at our beck and call, we can’t achieve elaborate updos everyday. Try watching simple tutorials on YouTube or Pinterest to get comfortable with some basic styles that work with your type of hair. Braided updos or partial updos are another trendy way to keep hair off your face and flyaways under control. Plus, both are easier than they look!
Good Hair Comes to Those Who Pay
Middleton family hairstylist, Richard Ward, also happens to be a purveyor of keratin hair treatments, and we suspect that might be part of Kate’s secret. Keratin, also called a “permanent blow dry”, increases smoothness and shininess by adding protein back into the hair. Kate has also influenced a signature blow out—the “Chelsea Blow Dry”. This signature and oft-copied look is a smooth and bouncy way to wear long hair. While both of these will help tame frizz for a while, they’re also princess pricey.
To try getting the same effect at home, look for hair products that contain keratin or frizz-fighting qualities and use a treatment mask weekly. Lightly applied serums and creams that eliminate frizz but don’t weigh hair down are a good finishing touch. You can also do an at-home blow out. If you splurge for one at the salon, pay attention so you can replicate it on yourself.
When All Else Fails…
Embrace it! Throw your hair in a ponytail, put on a headband or hat, or just let your hair fly free—frizz, waves, curls, and all. It is summer after all! It’s what the Duchess would do when she knows the humidity has her beat. Embracing the curl and texture of your hair with curl-enhancing cream or similar products and working with it, instead of against, is often the simplest way to tame summer hair.
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